Boy was I wiped out after a wonderful full day of celebrating with our kids yesterday. My kids are all adults so I can only imagine how much more wiped out I’d be if there were little ones to chase about the house and entertain…
The favorite new tradition were our Christmas Crackers/Poppers. We got such a kick out of the cheesy little gifts and jokes that popped out and we all wore our tissue crowns through breakfast. Josh and Katie pretty much wore their crowns all day long…fun times.
Santa really loaded up our stockings this year…
It would be great if in the U.S.A. Boxing day was a holiday, too, like Great Britain and Canada or St. Stephens Day in Ireland. Dear has been at work for many hours already. Dan will be hitting the road to cross the Cascade Mountain range later this morning. He should make it home in 5 or so hours.
I read up about Boxing Day online and it’s interesting to read some of the history. Here’s a little view of all our Christmas Boxes. This year was a banner year for boxes.
When Katie and I were in Vancouver B.C. I bought one thing at the Christmas Market, this pretty little bird.
Another new ornament that is perfect on my tree is this next one from Lovella. Joy really is fulfilled in Christmas.
This year my Wee Forest Folk Nativity is now complete. The last piece needed was the Wise Man in a Turban. He was under the tree this year…
I know lots of you are celebrating with your loved ones today. When your family expands you need to be flexible and go with the flow. Are you a Boxing day shopper? Do you rush out the day after to add to your Christmas stash from the clearance sales? For the rest of you I hope you have time to reflect and relax on this Boxing Day 2013.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
No shopping for me today, I can’t deal with the madness. It certainly appears that you and your family had a joyful Christmas. Poppers are a part of our day, too, as they are such an easy way to add a little fun.
I love it that you and your family enjoy the traditions that make holidays what they are. I really, really love it. I have noticed that my family is inching away from many of the traditions, and it really breaks my heart. Irritates me, actually. Almost brought me to tears yesterday. I realize this is a new day, but some traditions should stand fast and strong forever. Maybe next year I can get my family to try Boxing Day fun. We’ll see how that goes over! 🙂
Anyhoooooo….I’m not getting out there with all those amateurs! I stay put until after the first of the year when everyone has returned to their jobs before I tackle the shopping haunts. I do have a coupon for a free pair of pants from Christopher & Banks that must be redeemed by the 31st, though, so I’ll go to one of the remote shopping places across state line. Other than that…no way, Jose!
I see lots of presents for that wonderful family! A darling mice nativity! Happy New Year Ellen.
I love to see reports of happy family events!…ours was great too…lots of hugs, laughs and tender moments.
My eye was drawn to that green wrapping paper….so pretty!
Those adult kids wore you out?! LOL! Love it! I can only speak for myself…I fell asleep in the middle of the movie I was watching with the grands. Thank goodness, they were into to movie and didn’t tear the house apart.
Lovely sneak peek into your home, Ellen !! love that bird !
and shopping on Boxing Day ?? I’m NOT a glutton for punishment – I prefer ‘quieter’ shopping!! You can have my place in line !!
And yes.. I don’t have little kids any more either but was exhausted by the time they all went home ! but it was all worth it !!
Your family is so fun! But I know exactly what you mean about being tuckered out even though they are all adults. It’s the same for me. I’m afraid that in Canada Boxing Day as a holiday seems to be disappearing especially in the retail sector. I feel so bad for all those in retail and restaurants who now have to be up so early to get to work because we just can’t take a day off from spending. As always I looove your little nativity!
I always forget that Boxing Day is not a holiday there. Many people work on Boxing Day in Canada…including farmers. I do wish Greg could have been home with you again. Loved seeing your Christmas table with your lovely family!